Tony Murphy's Notable Cases

Tony is dedicated to securing just outcomes for his clients including in the most challenging of cases. The justice of those outcomes is very much dictated by what his clients wish to achieve. Tony’s notable cases include:

Judah Adunbi

Mr Judah Adunbi, a former police race advisor shot in the face with a Taser by a police officer on 14 January 2017 whilst walking his dog, has instructed Bhatt Murphy to assist him to secure justice. Tony acts for Mr Adunbi, who is also supported by the charity SARI (Stand Against Racism and Inequality).

Following a five year investigation, a public inquiry into the fatal police shooting of Anthony Grainger by a Greater Manchester Police Officer began in Liverpool on 17 January 2017, Tony acts for Anthony’s partner, Ms Gail Hadfield-Grainger.

Bijan Ebrahimi deceased

Bijan Ebrahimi was kicked to death and set alight by racists in Bristol. As a result of our work with his family and the charity SARI, the IPCC eventually prepared a report that was highly critical of police failure to prevent Bijan’s death. This in turn resulted in two police officers being convicted by a jury of misconduct in public office which led to them being dismissed from the force January. Over 15 additional officers (including an Inspector and Sergeants) also faced disciplinary proceedings.

Inquest into the death of Christopher Brennan

The Coroner at the inquest into the death of 15 year old Christopher Brennan concluded that gross failings constituting neglect contributed to Christopher's death in Bethlem Hospital Adolescent Unit. Tony acted for the Brennan family.

Inquest into the death of Amy El-Keria

A jury at Horsham Coroner’s Court concluded that the Priory's neglect (ie gross failings) contributed to the death of 14 year old Amy El-Keria during her admission as a mental health patient.

AXS v Lancashire Social Services

In this out of court settlement, Lancashire Social Services apologised to the Claimant and agreed to pay substantial damages for failing to support her asVictim of Human Trafficking. Social Services also agreed to use the Claimant’s experience to train staff for the benefit of other survivors of human trafficking.

Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis v ZH [2013]

The court of appeal rejected an attempt by the Metropolitan police commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe to overturn an award of £28,250 in damages to a severely autistic teenager who was put in handcuffs and leg restraints and held in a police van after jumping into a swimming pool. This is the first reported (non-employment) disability discrimination claim against the police in this jurisdiction

OOO v CPM [2011]

The first High Court case in this jurisdiction to litigate a breach of Article 4 of the European Convention on Human Rights (the right to be free from enforced labour and servitude). This resulted in Mr Justice Wyn Williams finding the Commissioner of Police in breach of both Articles 3 and 4 of the ECHR and awarding damages to four young Nigerian women who had been trafficked into the UK as children and forced to work as unpaid servants. This outcome demonstrated that defective police investigations can be successfully challenged where Convention rights are engaged and put paid to an attempt by the Commissioner to extend the immunity from suit enjoyed by the police in common law claims, to HRA claims.

R (Antoniou) v CNWL Trust and The Secretary of State for Health 2011

A test case challenging the lack of independent investigation into the deaths of those who die whilst detained under the Mental Health Act 1983.

ZH (GH) v CPM

A claim for assault and disability discrimination against the Met on behalf of a boy with Autism who placed by police in handcuffs and leg restraints when he became transfixed by the water during a school visit to a swimming pool.

RTF v CPM

A record out of court settlement of £75,000 on behalf of a victim of trafficking whom the police failed to protect

Andrew Sheppard, deceased and Another

Helen Steel v CPM

Admission by the Commissioner that his officers assaulted and falsely imprisoned this well known and respected protestor whilst she was conducting a legally privileged conversation during proceedings against the Commissioner outside the High Court.

IW (KW) v CPM

Successful out of court settlement following wrongful arrest and prosecution of young man with Autism.

DN v CPM

Successful out of court settlement following wrongful arrest and prosecution in alleged kidnapping and firearms case.

JT v Chief Constable of Devon & Cornwall

Successful mediation in dog bite case.

An unprecedented claim against the Metropolitan Police for breach of Article 4 of the European Convention on Human Rights

The prohibition of slavery regarding the failure to protect a victim of human trafficking. This claim mediated for substantial damages and a police apology with Cherie Blair QC acting as mediator.

A novel claim under the Disability Discrimination Act against Northamptonshire Police

In relation to its failure to protect of a victim of crime with autism, which circumvented the traditional barriers to making the police accountable for neglect . This claim was also successfully mediated for substantial damages, an apology and an agreement that lessons would be learned by the police with Lord Henry Brooke acting as mediator.

A public law challenge against the Home Office

As a result of which it conceded that police stop and search provisions must be revised to reflect the needs of those with disabilities.